2012 volvo c70 Reviews and News

It's not easy to make a good batch of chili, but making a great batch is more difficult than simply following a recipe. We know this because Volvo literally pitted a bunch of journalists against one another in a chili cook-off while we were in Scottsdale, Arizona, to drive four of its models equipped with the new performance-enhancing Polestar Package.
Just as with chili, taking a car from good to great isn't always easy. Volvo has already been doing an admirable job with its lineup of beautifully designed and fun-to-drive cars like the S60 sedan, the XC60 crossover, the XC70 wagon, and the C30 hatchback. What the Swedish brand has been lacking with its most recent product renaissance is a little spice.

Less ghost pepper, more green chili pepper

Like with a good pot of chili, Volvo has added some extra oomph with its all-new Polestar Package. The performance upgrades are modest -- the option kit is limited to a chip that works with the engine control unit to remap horsepower and torque output by optimizing output, increasing boost, advancing the spark timing, and modifying throttle sensitivity.

Two chips are available: one for the 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five cylinder and one for the 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6. Both power bumps are modest -- the T5-powered C30 and C70 gain 23 hp and 29 lb-ft of torque to 250 hp and 265 lb-ft, whereas the Polestar chip adds 25 hp and 30 lb-ft to the XC60 and XC70 to 325 hp and 354 lb-ft. Best of all, the tweaked output comes at no change to the fuel economy ratings of any of the cars.

Power delivery remains strong and responsive in the T6 cars, as it is without the Polestar chip, but the torque comes on in more of a wallop of thrust than before. Peak torque is still achieved between 2100 and 4200 rpm, but the cars pull a little harder under heavy acceleration, especially the XC70. The numbers prove that, as all Polestar-equipped cars see their 0 to 60 mph times drop by 0.3 second, with both XCs making the run in 6.6 seconds.

Good to great

A 5.9-second time to 60 mph for the T5-only C30 with the six-speed manual hints at the difference that the Polestar chip makes. We weren't able to sample the five-speed automatic-equipped C30 (which is 0.4 seconds slower to 60 mph), but the C30 has now gone from, well, good to great. The C30 has long been more style than substance, but the new Polestar chip helps balance the looks and the performance. Sadly, despite using parts almost entirely from Volvo's own parts bin, the chipped C30 doesn't come close to the fantastic, all-wheel-drive, 405-hp C30 Polestar concept car. (Polestar teased us with that car -- they had it on hand but we weren't allowed to drive it this time.)

Although the power gains are modest, Polestar has also helped transform the C70 convertible. The added reinforcements needed to create a hardtop convertible from a compact sedan -- the C70 rides on the same S40-derived platform as the C30 -- give the car a porky 3837-pound curb weight that easily overwhelms the 227 hp provided by the stock T5. With the extra 23 hp, the C70 finally feels appropriately powered for a topless boulevard cruiser. It will never be confused for the likes of a BMW 335i convertible, but when stacked against its Audi A5 cabriolet and Mercedes-Benz E350 cabriolet, it no longer seems like the runt of the litter in terms of performance.

Same flavors, different cars

There are a couple of different ways to get the factory warranty-covered spice provided by the Polestar. The easiest way is to purchase the standalone Polestar Package, which adds the extra horsepower and torque through an ECU chip. Pricing runs at a very reasonable $1495 for S60, XC60, and XC70 models equipped with the turbo-six; Volvo owners of 2008 and newer S40, V50, C30, and C70 cars equipped with the T5 engine can have the extra power for just $1295. Both prices include installation.

Those buyers who want a little show with their go can add the R-Design package, which includes goodies like new front and rear fascias, blue-faced gauges, stiffer suspension, and quicker steering. R-Design packages are available on the C30, S60, XC60, and XC90; however, 2012 S60 and XC60 R-Design cars come standard with the Polestar chip.

Also gaining the Polestar Package as standard is the limited-edition C70 Inscription. On top of the power bump, the Inscription sees unique, 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome trim, a leather-covered dashboard, and the option of either Ice White or Black Sapphire paint.

The Volvo C70 was one of the first convertibles with a folding hard top when it hit the market in 2006. The C70 hasn't seen many innovations since then, but its clean lines and minimalist interior ensure that it will continue to age gracefully. Mechanically, the C70 uses the same 227-hp turbocharged five-cylinder found in the C30 hatchback, and it is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission (sadly, the six-speed manual was dropped last year). Since the C70 is really more a cruiser than a hard charger, we recommend the standard seventeen-inch wheels over the optional eighteens and their more aggressive 40-series tires, which diminish ride comfort while doing little to increase handling prowess. That said, the C70 is a convertible that can be used year-round. The hard top cuts trunk space drastically when it's lowered, but when it's in place it offers the advantages of better sound and weather insulation along with greater security. Although it doesn't have Volvo's latest advancement in safety--the City Safety auto-braking system--the C70 still comes standard with a raft of features that help uphold Volvo's reputation for building some of the safest cars on the road.

2012 Volvo C70 Inscription

Volvo has revealed pricing and availability numbers for the special Inscription Package that will be offered on the 2012 C70 convertible. The Inscription package costs $3900 on top of the cost of a C70, and production will be limited to just 2000 units globally annually.

Volvo is adding some more panache to its graceful C70 convertible at the Los Angeles Auto Show this year. In true L.A.-style, the Swedish carmaker is introducing the C70 Inscription that liberally applies luxury touches and a dash more power to the premium droptop.
Volvo let Polestar rework the ECU to milk 250 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque from the turbocharged inline-five – a gain of 23 hp and 29 lb-ft – that will be routed through a five-speed automatic to the front wheels. Polestar was able to meet those gains without sacrificing the C70’s 18/28 city/highway mpg by increasing the amount of air and fuel injected into the combustion chambers and advancing the spark timing.
Yet the Inscription treatment involves more than just adding a little extra power underhood – predictably, the special-edition model also incorporates some unique cosmetic touches. Available only in Ice White or Black Sapphire Metallic (the latter is exclusive to the Inscription), Volvo has added black-gloss grille slats, LED daytime running lights, and chrome surrounds for the grille and headlights. Black-painted 18-inch Midir wheels are standard, as is a rear spoiler.
Inside, the C70 Inscription isawash in Sovereign Hide leather trim with contrasting stitching. To further differentiate the trim, the Inscription model also includes unique headrests, a new handbrake lever, and bespoke floor mats.
Volvo has yet to announce pricing for the C70 Inscription, but says that it will be a limited-production model. The 2012 C70 starts at $40,825; optioning a C70 T5 with the same equipment will run a cool $43,370. Volvo also offers an Inscription package for the S80 sedan, which includes similar upgrades for $1500 over the S80 T6 AWD’s $42,175 base price.
Expect to see full details on the C70 Inscription next week when it debuts at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Source: Volvo

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Warranty

Recalls

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:11

Component

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Summary

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2012 C70 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2005, THROUGH JULY 31, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 S60 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2010, THROUGH APRIL 16, 2011, THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ACCESSORY SPARE TIRE KIT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONTAIN THE CORRECT INFORMATION FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL ACCESSORY SPARE TIRE AND WHEEL KIT.

Consequences

A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND INSTALL THE LABEL AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-201-768-7300.